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This study assessed effectiveness of the Electronic Records Management System (ERMS) in the selected courts of Tanzania. Specifically, the research objectives were to examine the nature of Records Management; to examine the extent of utilisation of ERMS; to solicit staff perceptions on the implementation and utilisation of ERMS and to establish and analyse factors influencing effectiveness of ERMS. The study was conducted in Dar es Salaam Region, and involved three courts: the Court of Appeal; the High Court of Tanzania and the Commercial Division. Out of a target population of 60 staff and customers earmarked for the study, 49 respondents took part in the study representing 81.6% participation. The study sample was selected using purposive and convenient sampling methods. Mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) were used to process, collect and analyse the data. Primary data was collected through triangulation methods: questionnaire, face to face interviews and observations, while secondary data was collected through documentary review by consulting a variety of printed and non-printed sources. Qualitative data were analysed through content analysis, while SPSS programme was used in analysing quantitative data. Generally, the key findings revealed that ERMS implemented in Courts of Tanzania is not effective and efficient since various factors were identified which hindered its effectiveness, such as lack of awareness and attitude, lack of technical and specialist support, inadequate funding, lack of policy on ERMS, poor implementation strategy and ineffective legal framework. Other factors were attributed to lack of experts in ERMS, inadequate staff and facilities, unreliable power supply and Internet connectivity. Finally, the study recommends that the Judiciary should prepare ICT policy to guide the management of e-records and its other functions. Also, it should mobilise adequate funds from donors, government and local private sectors to support implementation and utilisation of ERMS, planning and staff training and acquisition of software and hardware applications. In addition to that, the Judiciary should integrate with other government sectors so as to learn from their experiences. |
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